Benedict Cumberbatch says he has not been approached about Star Wars (Picture: AP)

He told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I don’t know. Who knows, who knows? Nothing is known of that. I worked with JJ [Abrams]. Obviously he knows. Everyone who wants to be part of that film, they know about.’

Cumberbatch sparked rumours that he would be in the next instalment of Star Wars when he pulled out of Guillermo del Toro’s next film, Crimson Peak, which is due to start shooting at the same time as Episode 7.

Abrams and Cumberbatch previously worked together on Star Trek Into Darkness.